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FINDING FILM
127 was introduced by Kodak in 1912, and is still in production today. The first 127 camera - the Vest Pocket Kodak - was followed by models of all shape, size and quality until the mid 1960s, when the easy-loading Instamatics (126 Format ) killed them off.
Back and White film is manufactured by Efke in Croatia, colour by Maco in Germany. You can buy Efke R100 negative film in the UK from Retro Photographic, and in the US from Digital Truth Photo. MacoColor 200 can be obtained from the manufacturer in Germany, MacoDirect who will send film worldwide.
There is also a new colour film made in Canada called Bluefire Murano - available from
The Frugal Photographer. They also have an excellent page on the 127 format in general - Click Here.
DEVELOPING EFKE R100
Most adjustable plastic spirals (except Jobo) can be used for 127 , but the main difficulty in loading it is the very tight curl of the film. It can help if you bend the first 1/4" (6mm) back and crease it, then bend it back again, and I've also found that the older makes of spiral (easily available on Ebay) are easier to load than the Paterson type with ball-bearings. Stainless steel spirals are an excellent if expensive option, but practise loading them in the light before you try it in the dark! They are available from Retro Photographic in the UK.
DEVELOPERS
Efke R100 is a traditional film, so any traditional developer can be used. Here are suggested starting times for some of them. Note that Efke do NOT recommend using a stop bath - tempered water may be used instead. |
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